A Donor Story: Mike

Mike, a dedicated blood donor, worked for Benike Construction, a company that plays a significant role in setting up mobile blood drives in collaboration with Mayo Clinic. Reflecting on his experience, Mike shared how he would sign up to donate before drives and encourage as many of his colleagues as possible to join in.

Benike Construction was founded in 1937 by Alvin Benike, who recognized a need for quality construction and established a family business to fulfill that need. Over the years, both Mayo Clinic and Benike Construction have become longstanding pillars in southeastern Minnesota, contributing significantly to the community. "On any given day, Benike has over 100 crew members working in and around the Mayo Clinic campuses. The longstanding relationship Benike and Mayo have in the construction industry is one of the reasons Benike chooses to participate in the blood drives."

The camaraderie developed over years of organizing and participating in these blood drives left a lasting impression on Mike. "Over the many years of donating blood, I have gotten to know so many wonderful staff at Mayo. Each time we organized blood drives between Benike Construction and Mayo Clinic, the Mayo technicians were extremely helpful and appreciative."

Even in retirement, Mike continues to donate and helps out part-time at Benike, proudly wearing his Benike apparel as he gives back to the community he’s served for so many years. Mayo Clinic and Benike Construction continue to serve the city of Rochester and surrounding communities by organizing successful blood drives, reflecting their shared commitment to the area.